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5 More Tahoe Property Owner Tips to prepare for winter

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5 More Tahoe Property Owner Tips to prepare for winter

October is slipping by and last week we had the big wake-up call with snow on the beaches of Lake Tahoe.  While it quickly melted away and temperatures warmed up, everyone knows that these snow-free days are numbered.  It won’t be long until the next snow fall will stick around until next spring.  So here are five more Tahoe property owner tips to prepare for the upcoming winter season.

1.)    Deck and Patio Furniture.  It’s time to put away the outdoor seasonal deck, lawn, and patio furniture.  Most outdoor furniture is not built for our Tahoe winters, so storing away this furniture is the best way to preserve it.  If it needs to stay out all season, be sure to cover it and keep it away from the roof line and from pine trees where snow will shed, or drop off and potentially damage your furniture.

2.)    Wood Storage.  For those Tahoe owners that will use their wood burning fireplaces, or wood burning stoves this winter, if you haven’t stored your wood, now is the time to do that job.  If your storage area is uncovered, then covering your wood piles with tarps will help keep your wood dry and make starting your winter fires that much easier.

3.)    Photographs.  As you get your Tahoe property ready for the upcoming winter, be sure to take photographs of your property – inside and out.  There are two reasons to do this.  The first is just in case there should be a problem at the property during the winter.  For example, a pine tree falls down on the home, snow slides through a window, a water pipe breaks, or you have a bear break-in.  Hopefully none of these things will happen, but if they do, you’ll have current photos for your insurance company.  The second reason to have current photos is if you decide to put your Tahoe home on the market to sell it this winter, or early next spring you’ll have photos of your home with out snow for your marketing program.

4.)    Snow Poles.  It’s time to put up the snow poles in the driveway, by the bear box, wood pile, and any other place you’ll want to keep clear, or locate once the snow begins to fall.  For those that are new to Tahoe, a snow pole is a metal, wood, or plastic pole that is 8 – 10 feet high.  These poles are used to locate items under the heavy snow and guide the snow removal company that plows the driveway and clears pathways.

5.)     Check Your Tires and Snow Chains.  Safety is always a priority for everyone.  So it’s time to get your vehicle ready for the Tahoe winter season.  One of the big items to check on your vehicle are the tires.  If you have all-weather tires, be sure to check them – air pressure and for wear.  If you have studded snow tires, you are allowed to put them on from November 1 through May 1 each year.   If you use chains on your tires, get them back into your vehicle.  Check them for broken links and make sure they fit your tires.

For those of you that missed the first 10 Tahoe property owner tips to prepare for the upcoming winter season, here they are again.

1)      Furnace Check-Up.  If it’s been a while since your furnace had a check-up, now is the time to set-up an appointment.  No time for an appointment?  At least make sure you replace the air filter, or clean it.  Make sure the cold air return is clear of furniture and clean.  Remember to turn your thermostats “on” and set for at least 50 degrees.

2)      Propane Tank Levels.  If your home is heated by propane, check your tank levels and re-fill as necessary.  This is also a good time to make sure there are snow poles in place marking where your tank is located at.

3)      Foundation Vents. If you remembered to open your foundation vents to air out your craw spaces, now is the time to close them up to prevent pipe freezing later in the season.

4)      Snow Removal Service.  Have you set up your snow removal service for the upcoming 2011-2012 season?  It’s time to get your annual contract.  If you weren’t happy with last years’ snow removal service, now is the time to shop around and line-up someone new.

5)      Snow Shovels.  As you store away the summer seasonal items, now is the time to locate your snow shovels, and re-stock the snow melt.

6)      Outdoor and Indoor Lights.  Check all of your outdoor and indoor lights to make sure they are working.  Replace burned out light bulbs now while access is easy. If lamps are on timers, adjust them so they turn on earlier for the shorter days.

7)      Flashlights.  The winter weather will bring power outages.  Check all flashlights to make sure they are working.   Replace old batteries and place the flashlights where you can easily find them.  If you don’t have a flash light in your car, this is a good time to put one in.

8)      Smoke detectors.  It’s easy to forget to change out the batteries in your smoke detectors, until they start to chirp.  If you know you won’t be in Tahoe for the fall-back time change, replace the batteries in your smoke detectors now and change your timing to when you bring in the deck patio furniture and when you take it out!

9)      Carbon Monoxide Detectors.  As of July 1, 2011, California state law changed, and all homes should have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home.   If you haven’t installed them, do so now.

10)  Tahoe Fun.  One of Tahoe’s best kept secrets are the fabulous fall days.  The summer crowds are long gone, but Tahoe is still amazing.  Before the snow falls make sure to spend at least one weekend in Tahoe and have some fall fun!

Overview and summary completed by:
Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260  | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

5 Tahoe Buyer Tips

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5 Tahoe Buyer Tips

If you’re looking to buy a vacation-resort second home/condo in the Tahoe market, here are 5 Tahoe buyer tips to keep in mind.

1.) Location, location, location – it’s true in Tahoe too. Location is just as important here as it is every where else. Not all Tahoe locations are equal. The same A-frame cabin in one neighborhood can be worth a lot more than the same one just a few blocks away. Special features such as home owner association memberships, walking distance to Lake Tahoe, backing to open space, or a steep driveway can make significant value differences. Some features may seem obvious that will add, or take away value, but others may not be as apparent. Local Tahoe knowledge is extremely valuable and your Tahoe real estate professional will be able to help you establish valuations for the properties you are interested in.

2.) Furnishings are negotiable. A lot has changed with getting a loan, so buying a Tahoe property with furnishings is not as easy as it once was, but sellers are still looking to include them in the sale of their Tahoe second homes, so don’t forget to ask if they are available.

3.) Ask for the Bear Box. In Tahoe, a bear box is a secured container that your garbage cans are stored in. They are called “Bear Boxes” because they have been designed to prevent the local wildlife from breaking in and scattering your garbage through-out the neighborhood. Like a built-in appliance, the bear box should be permanently attached to the property, and should come with the property, but just in case, make sure to include this item as something to be left behind by the seller and include it in your offer.

4.) Be Flexible. Buyers start their search for the perfect Tahoe lakefront, cabin, home, or condo on the internet. What a buyer can’t see on-line is the over all setting, or feel a neighborhood, or location has to offer. Pictures are great, but they often don’t show how close the next door neighbor really is, or how loud the road noise will be at that location. Be flexible and open to seeing other homes that aren’t on your list. Remember, some places don’t photograph well and just show better in person. Being flexible will allow you to find the best Tahoe property.

5.) Tahoe Vacation Rentals. If you’re thinking about doing some short-term vacation rentals to off-set your operating costs, be sure to ask you local Tahoe real estate professional if the property you are seeing is currently on a vacation rental program. Now is the time to find out what features make a vacation property more rentable over others.

These quick 5 Tahoe buyer tips are things to keep in mind as you search for the perfect Tahoe vacation property. For more Tahoe buyer tips and information visit | 530.414.1260 for all of your Tahoe real estate needs.

Laura Allen, REALTOR, Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CalRE#01473598

 Overview and summary completed by:
Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260  | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

The Tahoe Ski Lease Season is here!

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The temperatures are dropping and the weather services are predicting our first snow in the high Sierra Mountains this week. Fall is here and the snow boarders and skiers will soon be back on the slopes.

This past weekend I was in our office and I was talking to Debbie Milani, Vacation Rental Property Manager-Owner and she reminded me to let my Tahoe clients know that now is the time to get their properties on the vacation rental list for the upcoming “Tahoe Ski Lease” season.

A Tahoe ski lease is a winter monthly rental, which may begin as early as the 1st of November, and can end as late as May. It can also be a shorter period of time beginning right after New Year’s Eve and ending in March. It all depends on what period of time the Tahoe property owner isn’t going to use their property, and how much income they are hoping to generate.

Tahoe property owners that know they will not being using their property at all during the winter season that want to generate some income to off-set operating costs, often ski-lease their Tahoe cabin, condo, home, or lakefront property rather than just closing the property up for the winter.

Those Tahoe owners that want to use their property during the ski season, or for the major holidays, but still want vacation rental income select the vacation weekend/weekly rental periods rather than the ski lease option.

Our Tahoe winter season started early last year with heavy snow on the ground before Thanksgiving. Many are hoping for the same thing this year as our phones have begun to ring and our on-line bookings are picking up for our premium winter vacation rental periods.

October may seem too early for many of us to think about the upcoming winter season, but those potential renters that want to ski this year are already busy searching the internet, walking into our local real estate offices and inquiring about the availability for ski lease rentals for the 2011-2012 winter season right now.

Talking with your Tahoe vacation-resort second home property manager now will allow you to maximize your income opportunities to get the best bookings for this upcoming season.

Overview and summary completed by:
Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260  | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

10 Tahoe Property Owner Tips to prepare for Winter

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10 Tahoe Property Owner Tips to prepare for Winter

It’s early October and while our current Tahoe weather still feels like its summer, everyone knows that these days are numbered. It won’t be long until the first snow falls. So here are ten Tahoe property owner tips to prepare for the upcoming winter.

1.) Furnace Check-Up. If it’s been a while since your furnace had a check-up, now is the time to set-up an appointment. No time for an appointment? At least make sure you replace the air filter, or clean it. Make sure the cold air return is clear of furniture and clean. Remember to turn your thermostats “on” and set for at least 50 degrees.
2.) Propane Tank Levels. If your home is heated by propane, check your tank levels and re-fill as necessary. This is also a good time to make sure there are snow poles in place marking where your tank is located at.
3.) Foundation Vents. If you remembered to open your foundation vents to air out your craw spaces, now is the time to close them up to prevent pipe freezing later in the season.
4.) Snow Removal Service. Have you set up your snow removal service for the upcoming 2011-2012 season? It’s time to get your annual contract. If you weren’t happy with last years’ snow removal service, now is the time to shop around and line-up someone new.
5.) Snow Shovels. As you store away the summer seasonal items, now is the time to locate your snow shovels, and re-stock the snow melt.
6.) Outdoor and Indoor Lights. Check all of your outdoor and indoor lights to make sure they are working. Replace burned out light bulbs now while access is easy. If lamps are on timers, adjust them so they turn on earlier for the shorter days.
7.) Flashlights. The winter weather will bring power outages. Check all flashlights to make sure they are working. Replace old batteries and place the flashlights where you can easily find them. If you don’t have a flash light in your car, this is a good time to put one in.
8.) Smoke detectors. It’s easy to forget to change out the batteries in your smoke detectors, until they start to chirp. If you know you won’t be in Tahoe for the fall-back time change, replace the batteries in your smoke detectors now and change your timing to when you bring in the deck patio furniture and when you take it out!
9.) Carbon Monoxide Detectors. As of July 1, 2011, California state law changed, and all homes should have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. If you haven’t installed them, do so now.
10.) Tahoe Fun. One of Tahoe’s best kept secrets are the fabulous fall days. The summer crowds are long gone, but Tahoe is still amazing. Before the snow falls make sure to spend at least one weekend in Tahoe and have some fall fun!

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs, Laura Allen, Broker Associate, REALTOR®, CalRE# 01473598, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Tahoe City, CA | 530.414.1260  email Laura@TahoeLaura.com

Lake Tahoe Real Estate Market

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Greetings from a snowy Lake Tahoe.  It’s the middle of May, and some are being to ask the question “will spring, or summer ever arrive in Tahoe?”  While I don’t have the answer to that question, I can share some information on  the recent Tahoe real estate market trends with you.  So here’s what has been going on with our local market these days.  I hope you find these 10 quick market facts interesting.

Number 1 – Did you know that in 2010 there were 22 lakefront home sales that were posted in our local TSMLS records?  That’s more than when we were at the peak of the market in 2005, when we had 20 sales.  So last year not only did we have more lakefront home sales transactions we also reversed a 5 year declining downward sales market trend in this high-end, luxury market.

Number 2 Approximately 1/3 of all home sales on the North Shore, Tahoe City, and West Shore areas (TSMLS Areas 1-5) were all cash sales.  It’s true.  One out of every 3 homes sold was a cash sale.  The rest were a combination of conventional financing (63%) – bank loans and about 4% were owner financing, or other financing methods in our market.

Number 3 – Since Jan 2007 the average median home sales price for the lakeside again North Shore, West Shore, and Tahoe City (TSMLS Areas 1-5) areas has dropped a total of -40%.  That means we’ve gone from an average median home sales price of $749,000 at the peak, down to an average of $447,500 for 2010.

Number 4- Since Jan 2007, the average median condo sales price for the same lakeside area has dropped almost 50%.  That means at the peak of the market the average median condo sales price was $592,500 and has now dropped to an average median sales price of $300,500 in 2010.

Number 5 – Since Jan 2007, the number of home sale transaction in 2010 was up 35%.  So prices are down 40%, but the number of home sale transaction is up 35%.

Number 6 – Since Jan 2007 the number of condo sale transactions is up 30%.  Again, condo prices have dropped almost 50% on average, while the number of transactions is up 30% in 2010 from the peak of the market some 4 years ago.

Number 7 – One (1) out of every 5 homes sold last year had an accepted offer with in 30 days, or less, of being listed in our MLS for TSMLS Areas 1-5 (the lakeside North Shore, West Shore and greater Tahoe City areas).   That tells us correct pricing is critical to a timely sale.

Number 8  – An impressive one 1 out of every 6 homes sold last year had an accepted offer with in 18 days, or less, of being listed in our MLS.  Buyers are reading the same market tips that seller are being given on pricing, so if the property is priced correctly it is going, going, gone! If a home has been on the market for more than 30 days, the most likely reason is pricing.

Number 9 – Approximately 34% of the homes sold on the North Shore were distressed sales – either bank owned/foreclosed properties, or short sales.  Four years ago, we didn’t even know how to track them in our MLS system.

Number 10 – Approximately 26% of the homes sold on the West Shore were distressed sales – again either bank owned/foreclosed properties, or short sales.  Even the West Shore has been hard hit with distressed sales and distressed sales don’t help prices move up.

So there you have it – 10 quick market facts about the North Shore, West Shore and greater Tahoe City, California areas.

Bottom line, the market direction trend has been down on price, with an increase in the number of bank foreclosures and short sales.  The over all market activity has increased, and cash buyers are finding value here based on their recent activity.  The highly desirable lakefront is once again selling, and lastly, a correctly priced home is still selling quickly.

Overview and summary completed by:
Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260  | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304